North Bay Woman

F A L L 2 0 1 7 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 57 as a fiction writer, in exploring personalities like Damon. He just wants to be free but he's haunted by his labels and own de- mons. "Calista is the emotional heart of the book because she's the one who is really grappling with the suicide and how to go on. I knew there couldn't be an easy answer for her. I didn't want her to have some revelation … I wanted it to feel real and it wouldn't be just wrapped up by senior year, it would continue to be complicated. But I did want you to know she would go on and that's ultimately what we are all trying to do." Teen suicide "Teen suicide is a very important issue to me. I had mental health struggles and lost a family member to suicide as a teen- ager," she shares. "I always wondered when reading the stories about cyberbullying, why did they do it and what happens to them after that? Calista feels responsible for Tristan's suicide but she is 13 years old, how do you go on with your life? How does it impact you? To what de- gree can we hold a 13-year-old responsible? I don't know." Mill Valley connection "I love Mill Valley and had a wonderful childhood there but I remember because it was such a small community everyone knew who you were. It was im- possible for these kids to escape whatever the label was," she reflects. "You never had a chance to have a fresh start. Everyone knows that's the bad kid and he's been bad since third grade." I asked her about the rumblings from residents of Mill Valley, concern that both students and parents had been portrayed negatively. She explains, "The issues are not just Marin County issues. … In fiction, power comes from specificity and I need to place it somewhere real. Mill Valley is my own town and I've always wanted to write about Mill Valley. It's a novel and not a report on Mill Valley." Provocative title "No matter where you are, in the most beautiful place on earth like I feel Mill Valley is, if you're suffering inside your mind, then nothing else matters. I've struggled with depression and anxiety since I was a teenager. I remember having the awareness of being in a beautiful place … but when you are suffering the way that I did sometimes, and Tristan Block does, it doesn't matter how beautiful the mountain is." The lesson Johnson hopes that parents who read "The Most Dangerous Place on Earth" will be inspired to stay as present in the lives of their kids during adolescence as possible. n Photo of Lindsey Lee Johnson by Matt Sayles Ease the stress of your cancer journey with our complete package of personalized support, research and resources tailored to you, your cancer and your needs. CJ Hunter and her team supplement your doctors' care with deep knowledge and a broad network of specialists to help you achieve your best possible health. Newly diagnosed with cancer? Undecided about options for treatment and care? The Active Patient Coach & Health Care Navigator Helping You Achieve Your Health Goals Your first consult is free. Based in the Bay Area, we work with clients around the US and across the world. "CJ is compassionate and cares deeply for her clients and their families — she is priceless." - Fran L. "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, CJ found the best-fit specialists for me, and then was friendly but persistent in getting them to take me on, to consider the very latest treatment options, and to work as a team — my team." - Barbara O. Learn More: www.apatientcoach.com • Contact Us: consult@apatientcoach.com • Call: (415) 855-9714

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